August 2026
Google Informs But God Transforms & Dates To Know
We squeezed into our seats mere minutes before the bus left the station. The chatter around us drowned out our own voices and invited us to listen in to the conversations nearby. A group of women discussed their plans to see a Broadway show, eat at their favorite restaurant, and visit old friends. One of the women grew quiet. She furrowed her brow and frowned as she described a difficult situation she faced. She sighed and confessed to her friends, “I need to be more patient, so I googled it. But it turns out patience can’t be taught.”
While her friends empathized and shared advice, I quickly typed her words into my phone along with my own: Don’t rely on Google for what only grace can shape.
These words lingered in my heart and mind. I understood this woman’s frustration. I, too, have longed to display virtues such as greater patience and more kindness. I, too, have been disappointed by my failures and have faced the reality that I cannot change myself as much as I had hoped.
Maybe you have, too.
If so, let Jesus’ words remind you of the hope you have in Him–not just in death (John 11:25-26), but in life (Philippians 1:6):
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5).
Jesus knew that spiritual maturity and fruit-bearing, including the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23), can’t be manufactured. Rather, He taught that true change occurs within us as we stay connected to–or abide in–Him.
While Google may offer some profitable how-to’s and tips, information alone won’t change us. Transformation happens within the context of having a vibrant relationship with Christ. The change we long to see in ourselves comes from cooperating with God as He works within us.
Whether you’ve been praying to grow in patience or self-control or to be more loving or kind, remember: If you’ve placed your faith in Christ, God’s Spirit resides in you (John 14:16-17). Now you’re invited to remain in (stay connected to) Him. As you do, spiritual fruit will become more and more visible, making you more and more Christlike.
No wonder Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8).
Spiritual growth takes both divine power and daily practice. As we’re faithful to do our part, God, by His grace, will be faithful to do His.
The information we find on Google may be helpful for many things, but it’s through our connection to Christ that we’ll be transformed, bear fruit, and glorify God. As a branch in His vineyard, there’s no better place to be than to remain connected to the true vine!
With much love in Christ,
Cara Blondo
PS - Summer messages and upcoming dates to know:
To listen to Karen’s Ocean Grove series, click here.
Save the dates:
- Tuesday, September 29 - first day of our upcoming study, Entering The Throne Room: A Study in the Book of Hebrews
- Friday, October 2 - fall dessert night, Jesus Is Better Than
-Saturday, December 12 - Christmas Breakfast at Branches in West Long Branch